Hayley Williams brings Karly Hartzman, Jenny Lewis & more to Newport Folk Fest
The stage at the Newport Folk Festival recently became a vibrant nexus of musical collaboration, largely thanks to the magnetic presence of Hayley Williams. During her set on Friday (7/24), she didn’t just perform; she invited an eclectic constellation of artists to share the spotlight, proving that music transcends genre and borders.
Williams brought a truly diverse group of talent to the stage, connecting musicians across various scenes. Among those who joined her were Wednesday’s Karly Hartzman, Jenny Lewis, This Is Lorelei, Lucy Dacus, Jack Antonoff, Kelsey Lu, Madi Diaz, Joy Oladokun, Remi Wolf, and Annie DiRusso. The resulting performance was a masterclass in shared musical storytelling.
The setlist was packed with high-energy collaborations. Williams kicked off the festivities by playing “Mirtazapine” alongside Karly Hartzman, immediately establishing a powerful dynamic. She then dove into covers and joint arrangements that showcased her versatility, including a rendition of This Is Lorelei’s “I’m All Fucked Up,” along with Nate Amos and live members Al Nardo and Bailey Wollowitz from Fantasy Of A Broken Heart. Later, she shared the stage with Jenny Lewis to tackle Rilo Kiley’s “Silver Lining,” while also performing “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris” with Lucy Dacus.
The depth of the musical interactions extended beyond Williams’ main set. Just one set before her performance, Lucy Dacus joined the stage, bringing Williams out for a joint performance of “Bullseye.” This dynamic continued as Lucy brought out Madi Diaz for an acoustic take on Diaz’s “Heavy Metal,” and Brandon Flowers of The Killers stepped in for a heartfelt cover of Jim Croce’s “Time In A Bottle.”
The festival showcased how these artists weave together, creating moments that resonate long after the final chord fades. Williams’ setlist was a rich tapestry of covers and originals, featuring tracks like “I Wanna Get Better” with Jack Antonoff in an acoustic arrangement, Rilo Kiley’s “Silver Lining,” and an emphatic finale with a group cover of Bill Withers’ classic, “Lean On Me.”
The evening underscored the power of community, turning the Newport Folk Festival into an unforgettable gathering where diverse voices found harmony. It was a demonstration that when artists come together, the sound is not just louder—it’s infinitely richer.
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